Image
Violet-green Swallow
ANN ARBOR, MI

Study Led by Defenders of Wildlife Scientist Shows Noise Pollution Impacts on Migratory Birds

“The major takeaway from this study is that anthropogenic noise affects many aspects of bird behavior, with some responses more directly tied to fitness,” said Natalie Madden, lead author of the new study.
Image
Louisiana Black Bear
Raleigh, N.C.

Defenders Receives Advocacy Organization of the Year Award

Defenders of Wildlife joined its partners in the Safe Passage coalition today to accept the Advocacy Organization of the Year Award at the 2026 Sweethearts
Image
Two North Atlantic Right Whales
Washington, D.C.

Defenders Raises Alarm Over Administration’s Proposal to Amend Rule Protecting North Atlantic Right Whales From Deadly Vessel Strikes

Defenders of Wildlife is devastated to learn that a three-year-old female North Atlantic right whale was found dead off Virginia on February 10, 2026. This

Press Releases

Image
Bald Eagle Perched
Washington, DC

Conservation Groups Applaud Sen. Merkley for Resolution Calling for a National Biodiversity Strategy

As the United States faces escalating impacts from the joint biodiversity and climate crises, leading conservation groups including Defenders of Wildlife, the Endangered Species Coalition
Image
Gray wolf in Yellowstone National Park, WY
Denver

Defenders Responds to Late Hour Lawsuit Challenging Colorado Gray Wolf Reintroduction

DENVER – Late Monday, the Gunnison County Stockgrowers’ Association, Inc. and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association filed a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s gray wolf reintroduction, an initiative three
Image
Western bluebird on tree branch
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Outraged as Interior Department Halts Progress on Migratory Bird Treaty Act Protections

The U.S. Department of the Interior today announced it is halting efforts to finalize key protective measures under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act—the nation’s landmark
Image
Wolverine on a rocky slope
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Wolverine Receives Much-Needed Endangered Species Act Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it will protect the wolverine population in the lower 48 states as threatened under the Endangered
Image
A Mountain Landscape, featuring Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina
Raleigh, N.C.

North Carolina General Assembly appropriates $2 million for wildlife crossings

In honor of Road Safety Week, the Safe Passage Fund Coalition applauds the North Carolina General Assembly for appropriating $2 million in funding for infrastructure
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
lsheehan@defenders.org
(202) 772-3244
Communications Director
mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217
Communications Specialist
jcovey@defenders.org
Former Communications Specialist
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268